How do you figure that they "blew" a game they never led in? The Astros led most of the night minus the 2 1/2 inning stretch between Schwarber and Pena's homers. The Astros had more base hits and more extra base hits. Aside from the bobbled ball on the Altuve double in the first, there weren't any huge defensive lapses from the Phillies to speak of. Really, the only thing you can argue that they really "blew" was that they had one more base runner than Houston and they left more guys on base (the Astros were actually worse with RISP than Philly was). I'd argue that both teams had their chances to put up some big offensive numbers and failed to do so, but I don't think the Phillies "blew" anything yesterday. It was just a good baseball game between two good teams, and the Astros were able to capitalize more offensively and got better pitching and defense when it mattered.
But they have seen Abreau a LOT. Going to be the Will Harris scenario. Stanek would give them something they have not faced. 50/50 on who gets the 8th on Saturday if we are leading. Hey. Maybe Will Smith gets it because it is 12-2. I would not b**** about that at all.
LOL People actually still bickering about who would catch and who wouldn't who tf cares. what they should have done, blah blah blah Not so long ago, folks were claiming the stros were done. The stros are 1 win away in 2 games at home from winning it all with Framber on the bump. Learn how to enjoy all this, rather than having to nitpick every single thing smh Again go watch the texans/rockets with all that nonsense.
This. Nobody actually thinks the backend of our bullpen, specifically Montero, sucks. Montero is generally brilliant. The concern is overuse/over exposure. Maybe it doesn’t happen but there is a legitimately great option in Stanek that can help mitigate that from happening.
Bold take here. But I think Bryan Abreu goes down 10 years from now as the best reliever in Astros history. The stuff is so incredibly good. Clearly the future closer, and he should be pitching to the other teams best hitters in late game situation whether thats in the 7th/8th/9th. The guy mowed down Realmuto yesterday. Realmuto is an incredible baseball player and he looked beyond over matched.
What a game! Took the subway back to our hotel, absolutely enjoyed being crammed in a train full of Phillies fans and soaking up all their tears. We stayed at the same hotel as the team and my girl got pics with pretty much all the players, I’ll try and share when I get back. LFG Astros!
Nice for us to win a game where the Astros' defense made big plays and the Phillies' **** defense cost them the game. Easy to brush off that advantage heading into the series but it made itself known last night.
FIFY But yes, his stuff is top of the line elite. His K rate in the minors was absurd, but like so many he's had trouble finding the zone in his career, not this season. If he can maintain his control he is gonna be a dominant reliever for a while. A lot, myself included, wanted to see more leverage during the season as it went on. The front office was fine waiting until October to make it happen apparently.
Lmao, I am disappointed in myself that I name dropped the overrated White Sox Slugger instead of Bryan. Blame it on the Crown I had last night. That FB slider combo is plus plus. He has def honed in the control with Josh Miller and co. Open Market right now he would probably get top closer money after this season.
Exactly. It doesn't mean one hates the player for suggesting that the hitters are seeing Montero's pitches very well, each time more and more. It happens to the best. But that's why you have to shake it up a bit especially when you have so many excellent options. We all know we wouldn't be here without Monty, Click's best trade.
He's 7 for 22 with a .757 OPS (.348 on base) with 4 runs scored and only 1 strikeout. That's not MVP level or anything, but it's pretty good. He's getting on base at the lead-off spot which is what you want.
Yes. This is concerning. Game 6. Do you continue to use the same formula? Or is that well running dry? If you use Stanek do you start with a clean inning? Give him a short leash? Or do you do Urquidy and Garcia which they have not seen a ton of? Well, except Baker giving them a nice long look at Urquidy in a useless game 3. Should have given Will Smith the mop and tell him to go clean it up. Save your weapons.
Urquidy has pitched once this postseason. I don't think they are using as anything except long-relief mop up duty. Garcia is higher than him in the pecking order based on the Seattle 18 inning game. Smith is almost certain to never come in. If the Astros are losing badly or need long relief, they go with Urquidy or Garcia (with the other saved for extra innings). Any other scenario, they are sticking with Neris/Montero/Abreu/Pressly with Stanek or Brown as needed.
Yessir, they are playing with house money now so hopefully 1 or both bats wake up if/when called upon. Still think we should let Hensley have a shot at home. Had decent at bats and got contact at least for an infield single.
Some great reflection by Justin Verlander on winning his first WS game. Good insight into how he works with Maldanodo and getting a rookie shower on his victory. Props to Trey Mancini too.
If he can maintain his control, I'm not sure he won't force his way into the rotation despite the rotation being stacked.
